CGC-1526236 • CCC-1331464
Shingle Roofing Done Right — With Documentation That Saves You Money on Insurance
Most shingle roofs in South Florida are installed to minimum code — then forgotten. We upgrade underlayments, address ventilation, and document everything during installation. That documentation translates directly into insurance discounts you won't get from a typical roofer.
It's Not the Shingles — It's How They're Installed
Shingle roofs in Florida often get dismissed as "cheap" or "not hurricane-rated." And honestly? When installed the way most contractors do it — minimum code, basic underlayment, inadequate ventilation — that criticism is fair.
But here's what most people don't realize: properly installed shingle roofs can perform exceptionally well in South Florida's climate and storms.
The problem isn't the material. It's the shortcuts:
What Most Contractors Skip:
Upgraded Underlayment
Code requires basic felt or synthetic underlayment. But a premium self-adhered secondary water barrier provides real protection if shingles blow off — and qualifies you for insurance discounts.
Proper Deck Re-Nailing
The roof deck must be re-nailed to current HVHZ standards during replacement. Many contractors skip this step because you can't see it once the roof is on.
Ventilation Assessment
Asphalt shingles are more susceptible to thermal shock than any other roofing material. Without proper ventilation, Florida's heat cooks shingles from above AND below — dramatically shortening their lifespan.
Six-Nail Patterns
In high-wind areas and on steep slopes, shingles require six nails instead of four. Contractors rushing through jobs often stick with four — reducing wind resistance.
Documentation
When a wind mitigation inspector visits after your roof is installed, they can't see what's underneath. If your contractor didn't document the secondary water barrier, deck attachment, and other features, the inspector marks "unknown" — and you lose insurance discounts you paid for.
The Result: Shingle roofs that fail in moderate storms. Premature aging from heat damage. And homeowners who paid for upgrades but can't prove it to their insurance company.
As a General Contractor, We Document Your Roof During Installation — Not After
Here's something most roofing contractors won't mention: Florida law requires insurance companies to offer discounts for wind-resistant construction features. These can save you 30-45% on the windstorm portion of your homeowners insurance — every year.
But there's a catch: you need documentation.
The Wind Mitigation Inspection Problem:
After your roof is installed, a wind mitigation inspector evaluates your home using form OIR-B1-1802. They check:
- • Roof covering (meets Florida Building Code?)
- • Roof deck attachment (how is plywood attached to trusses?)
- • Roof-to-wall attachment (clips, straps, or toe nails?)
- • Secondary water resistance (peel-and-stick underlayment?)
- • Opening protection (hurricane shutters/windows?)
- • Roof shape (hip vs. gable?)
The Problem:
Once your roof is on, the inspector can't see what's underneath. If your roofer didn't provide photos and documentation of the secondary water barrier, deck re-nailing, and underlayment, the inspector is forced to check "unknown."
"Unknown" = No Discount.
You may have paid extra for a premium secondary water barrier. You may have had the deck re-nailed to HVHZ standards. But if you can't prove it, you don't get the discount.
Our Approach: Documentation Built Into the Process
Because we hold a General Contractor license (CGC-1526236), we can provide complete wind mitigation documentation as we install:
Photos of deck re-nailing
Before underlayment is applied
Photos of secondary water barrier installation
Showing full coverage
Product documentation
Manufacturer specs for underlayment, shingles, fasteners
Nail pattern documentation
Showing proper 6-nail installation where required
When your roof is finished, you'll have a documentation package ready for your wind mitigation inspector. No "unknowns." Maximum discounts.
"Most roofers install the roof and move on. The homeowner pays for a wind mitigation inspection a few months later, and the inspector can't verify what's under the shingles. The homeowner loses hundreds of dollars per year in insurance discounts they should have received."
Why Your Shingle Roof Is Aging Faster Than It Should
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in America — but they face a unique challenge in South Florida.
The Science:
On a sunny day, your shingle surface can reach 160°F or higher. The shingles absorb this heat and radiate it downward into your attic.
Without proper ventilation, that attic becomes a furnace — often exceeding 140°F.
Now your shingles are being cooked from both sides.
This is called thermal shock, and it's even worse for asphalt shingles than for tile roofs:
Effects of Thermal Shock:
- • The asphalt dries out and becomes brittle
- • Shingles crack and curl at the edges
- • Granules loosen and wash away (exposing asphalt to UV damage)
- • Adhesive strips that hold shingles together fail
- • Underlayment degrades prematurely
The Result:
A shingle roof rated for 25-30 years in moderate climates may fail in 12-15 years in South Florida without proper ventilation.
Our Approach:
Chris Porosky, our owner and certified Residential Energy Rater, designed our shingle installation process around how heat and moisture actually move through a roof system:
Ventilation Assessment
We evaluate your current intake (soffit vents) and exhaust (ridge vents) to ensure proper airflow
Ventilation Upgrades
If your current system is inadequate, we recommend and install additional ventilation
Premium Underlayment
We use high-temp rated underlayment systems designed for Florida's extreme conditions
Proper Attic Insulation
We check that heat isn't being trapped against the roof deck
The goal: Keep your attic temperature as close to outside ambient temperature as possible. This dramatically extends shingle lifespan and reduces your cooling costs.
Why We Install Tamko Titan XT — The Shingle That Was Redesigned for Real Performance
We've installed thousands of shingle roofs over 20+ years. We've seen how different products perform through Florida's hurricanes, heat, and humidity. And we've watched the industry evolve.
When Tamko released the Titan XT, we paid attention. This isn't a marketing refresh — it's a genuinely redesigned shingle built on contractor feedback.
What Makes Titan XT Different:
160 MPH Wind Warranty
Most architectural shingles offer 110-130 mph wind warranties — and some require special 6-nail installation to reach those ratings. Titan XT achieves 160 mph wind protection with standard 4-nail installation using Tamko starter strips. That's an industry first.
AnchorLock™ Technology
A reinforced poly-fabric layer is applied through the common bond area of the shingle. This creates an anchor for nails to embed in, locking them tightly to the deck — not just the shingle.
Rapid Fire Zone™ — 5x Larger Nailing Zone
Traditional architectural shingles have a narrow nailing zone. Miss it by half an inch, and you've compromised wind resistance. Titan XT's nailing zone is up to 500% larger than previous generations. This means faster installation and fewer mistakes.
Advanced Fusion™ Sealant
A polymer-modified asphalt sealant bonds shingles together more aggressively than standard products. Combined with AnchorLock, this keeps shingles locked down through thermal cycling and high winds.
Class 3 Impact Rating
Titan XT meets UL 2218 Class 3 impact resistance standards — protecting against hail damage without requiring an upgrade to a specialty product.
Real-World Performance:
After Hurricane Ian, contractors reported Titan XT roofs had "no issues whatsoever, even when neighboring roofs were blown off." That's the kind of performance we want for our customers.
Note: We install other quality shingle brands when appropriate for budget or specific applications. But for homeowners who want maximum performance, Titan XT is our recommendation.
The Layer That Actually Saves Your Home When Shingles Blow Off
Here's something most homeowners don't understand: shingles are designed to shed water, not stop it completely.
Standard Underlayment
(What Code Requires)
Code requires #30 felt or equivalent synthetic underlayment. This provides basic water resistance during installation and minor protection if a few shingles are damaged.
But in a major storm, when shingles are torn off in large sections, standard underlayment won't save your home from water damage.
Secondary Water Barrier
(What We Install)
A secondary water barrier — also called "peel and stick" underlayment — is a self-adhered modified bitumen membrane. It seals around nail penetrations, bonds directly to the roof deck, and provides genuine waterproofing even if the shingles above are completely removed.
The Insurance Connection:
Secondary water resistance is one of the categories on the Florida wind mitigation inspection form. Homes with verified secondary water barriers receive an average 8% discount on the windstorm portion of their insurance premium.
But remember: if your contractor didn't document the installation, you can't prove you have it. The inspector marks "unknown," and you don't get the discount.
Our Approach:
We install premium self-adhered underlayment on every shingle roof — and we photograph the installation before the shingles go on. When you need your wind mitigation inspection, you'll have documentation proving your secondary water barrier is in place.
Shingle Roofing in the High Velocity Hurricane Zone
Broward County is one of only two counties in Florida designated as a High Velocity Hurricane Zone. Shingle roofs installed here must meet stricter requirements than the rest of the state.
HVHZ Shingle Requirements:
Wind Rating
Shingles must be rated for your specific wind zone (typically 150-180 mph ultimate design wind speed in Broward)
Product Approval
All shingles must have valid Florida Product Approval or Miami-Dade NOA
Nail Pattern
4 nails minimum per shingle; 6 nails required on slopes steeper than 21:12 or in high-wind zones
Fastener Type
Ring-shank nails required where ultimate design wind speed exceeds 150 mph
Deck Attachment
Roof sheathing must be re-nailed to current HVHZ standards during replacement
Drip Edge
Required at all eaves and rakes
A shingle roof that passes inspection elsewhere in Florida may not meet HVHZ requirements. And a roof that technically passes inspection but was installed to minimum code won't perform as well as one installed with proper materials and techniques.
We work in the HVHZ daily. We know the code requirements, the inspection process, and what it takes to build a shingle roof that actually performs.
Shingle Options for South Florida Homes
We install quality architectural shingles designed for Florida's climate and wind requirements.
Premium Architectural Shingles (Recommended)
- • Our recommendation: Tamko Titan XT (160 mph wind warranty)
- • Also available: GAF Timberline HDZ, Owens Corning Duration
- • Multi-layer dimensional appearance
- • Higher wind ratings than 3-tab
- • 30-50 year manufacturer warranties
- • Class 3 or Class 4 impact ratings available
Standard Architectural Shingles
- • Quality laminated construction
- • 110-130 mph wind ratings
- • Good option for budget-conscious homeowners
- • 25-30 year manufacturer warranties
- • Variety of colors and styles
3-Tab Shingles (Limited Applications)
- • Flat, uniform appearance
- • Lower wind ratings (typically 60-70 mph)
- • Shorter lifespan than architectural shingles
- • Not recommended for primary residences in HVHZ
- • May be appropriate for utility structures or covered areas
Impact-Resistant Shingles
- • Class 4 impact rating (highest available)
- • Designed to withstand large hail
- • May qualify for additional insurance discounts
- • Options: Tamko StormFighter IR, GAF Timberline AS II
- • Good choice for exposed roof areas
We always recommend architectural shingles rated for at least 130 mph winds for primary residences in South Florida. Premium options like Titan XT provide even better performance and warranty coverage.
The Hidden Work That Determines Whether Your Roof Survives
The plywood or OSB sheathing that forms your roof deck is attached to the trusses or rafters with nails. Over time — and especially in older homes — these nails can work loose, corrode, or simply be inadequate for current code requirements.
Why Deck Re-Nailing Matters:
In a hurricane, wind doesn't just push on your roof — it creates uplift pressure that tries to pull the roof off from below. If your deck isn't properly attached, the shingles may stay in place while entire sections of plywood tear away.
HVHZ Requirements:
During a roof replacement in Broward County, the existing roof deck must be re-nailed to current standards:
- • 8d ring-shank nails
- • Specific spacing patterns based on roof zone
- • Supplemental fasteners in high-stress areas
The Documentation Problem:
Once your new shingles are installed, no one can see whether the deck was re-nailed properly. The wind mitigation inspector evaluates "roof deck attachment" — but they can only verify it if documentation exists.
Our Approach:
We photograph the deck re-nailing process before underlayment is applied. This documentation proves your roof deck attachment meets the highest category on the wind mitigation form — potentially qualifying you for up to 35% discount on the windstorm portion of your insurance.
Even If You Don't Hire Us:
Whoever installs your shingle roof, ask for photos of the deck re-nailing before underlayment is applied. If they won't provide documentation, ask yourself what else they're not willing to prove.
Our Shingle Roofing Services
Shingle Roof Replacement
Complete tear-off and reinstallation with premium underlayment, proper ventilation assessment, HVHZ-compliant deck re-nailing, and full documentation for wind mitigation inspection.
Shingle Roof Repair
Wind damage, leaks, missing shingles, flashing failures. We diagnose the actual problem and fix it properly — not just patch over symptoms.
Ventilation Assessment & Upgrades
Evaluation of your current soffit/ridge ventilation system with recommendations for improvement. Proper ventilation extends shingle life by 30-50%.
Wind Mitigation Documentation
If you need documentation for an existing roof installation, we can help assess what's verifiable and what upgrades might improve your wind mitigation rating.
Storm Damage Inspection
Free inspections after major storms to assess damage and help with insurance claims. We document everything for your claim.
Insurance Claim Assistance
We work with your insurance company to ensure proper coverage for storm damage repairs. Our documentation standards help maximize claim approvals.
Common Shingle Roof Problems in South Florida
Problem: Shingles curling and lifting at edges
Cause: Thermal shock from inadequate ventilation; heat cooking shingles from above and below
Our Fix: Replace damaged shingles, assess and upgrade ventilation, install high-temp underlayment
Problem: Granule loss and bare spots
Cause: UV degradation, heat damage, normal aging accelerated by poor ventilation
Our Fix: Assess overall condition; if widespread, replacement is usually more cost-effective than repair
Problem: Leaks at walls, chimneys, or pipes
Cause: Flashing failure, improper original installation, sealant degradation
Our Fix: Replace flashings with proper integration; cut back stucco if needed (GC license advantage)
Problem: Shingles blowing off in moderate winds
Cause: Inadequate nailing pattern, failed adhesive strips, poor deck attachment
Our Fix: Repair or replace with proper nail pattern; re-nail deck to HVHZ standards
Problem: Dark streaks on roof
Cause: Algae growth (Gloeocapsa magma) — cosmetic but can indicate moisture retention
Our Fix: Professional cleaning; recommend algae-resistant shingles for replacement
Problem: No insurance discounts despite upgrades
Cause: No documentation of secondary water barrier, deck attachment, or other features
Our Fix: Assess what's verifiable; provide documentation for future wind mitigation inspections
Why Homeowners Trust All Phase for Shingle Roofing
Wind Mitigation Documentation Included
We photograph deck re-nailing, secondary water barrier installation, and nail patterns. You'll have proof for your insurance company — not "unknowns."
Thermal Shock Prevention
We assess and upgrade ventilation because we understand how Florida's heat destroys shingle roofs from the inside out.
Premium Underlayments Standard
We install self-adhered secondary water barriers, not just code-minimum felt. Real protection that also qualifies for insurance discounts.
Tamko Titan XT Available
160 mph wind warranty, Class 3 impact rating, and the largest nailing zone in the industry. The shingle that performs when it matters.
Dual Licensed (GC + CCC)
Structural repairs, stucco work, ventilation upgrades — we handle everything without subcontractors.
20+ Years, 2,500+ Projects
We've installed shingle roofs across South Florida through multiple hurricane seasons. We know what lasts.
Shingle Roofing Services in Broward & Palm Beach Counties
Boca Raton • Deerfield Beach • Pompano Beach • Fort Lauderdale • Coral Springs • Parkland • Delray Beach • Boynton Beach • West Palm Beach • Lighthouse Point • Hillsboro Beach • Coconut Creek • Margate & surrounding areas
Shingle Roofing FAQs
Are shingle roofs a good choice for South Florida hurricanes?
Yes — when installed properly. Premium architectural shingles like Tamko Titan XT carry 160 mph wind warranties. The key factors are proper nailing patterns, deck re-nailing, and quality underlayment. Many shingle failures in storms result from installation shortcuts, not material deficiencies.
How long do shingle roofs last in Florida?
With proper ventilation and premium materials, 20-30 years is realistic. Without proper ventilation, thermal shock can reduce that to 12-15 years. The underlayment and deck are often the limiting factors, not the shingles themselves.
What is a secondary water barrier and why does it matter?
A secondary water barrier is a self-adhered (peel and stick) underlayment that provides waterproofing even if shingles blow off. It qualifies for approximately 8% discount on your windstorm insurance — but only if you can document that it was installed. We photograph this installation on every job.
How do I get insurance discounts for my roof?
After installation, a licensed inspector performs a wind mitigation inspection (form OIR-B1-1802). They evaluate roof covering, deck attachment, secondary water resistance, and other factors. The catch: if your contractor didn't document what's under the shingles, the inspector marks "unknown" and you don't get the discount. We provide documentation during installation so you can prove what's there.
What's the difference between 4-nail and 6-nail installation?
Standard shingle installation uses 4 nails per shingle. HVHZ code requires 6 nails per shingle on steep slopes (greater than 21:12) and in designated high-wind zones. Six-nail installation provides significantly better wind resistance. We follow code requirements and recommend 6-nail patterns when appropriate.
Why does ventilation matter for shingle roofs?
Shingle surfaces can reach 160°F on sunny days. Without proper ventilation, that heat builds up in the attic and "cooks" the shingles from below. This thermal shock dries out the asphalt, causing cracking, curling, and premature failure. Proper ventilation can extend shingle life by 30-50%.
What is Tamko Titan XT and why do you recommend it?
Titan XT is a redesigned architectural shingle with 160 mph wind warranty (using standard 4-nail installation), Class 3 impact rating, and a 500% larger nailing zone than previous generations. It was developed based on contractor feedback and performs exceptionally in Florida's conditions. It's not the only good shingle, but it's our top recommendation for performance.
What's involved in a roof deck re-nailing?
During replacement, we re-nail the plywood sheathing to current HVHZ standards using 8d ring-shank nails at specific spacing patterns. This ensures the deck stays attached to the trusses during wind uplift. We photograph this work before applying underlayment so you have documentation for wind mitigation inspections.
Should I choose shingles or tile for my home?
Both can work well. Tile costs more upfront but can last 50+ years. Shingles cost less but have shorter lifespans (20-30 years). Both require proper underlayment and installation. The right choice depends on your budget, aesthetic preferences, and long-term plans for the home.
Can you match existing shingles for a repair?
Sometimes. Shingles fade over time, and manufacturers change color formulations. For small repairs, we source the closest match available. For large repairs, we may recommend replacing entire roof sections or slopes for consistent appearance.
Do I need a permit for shingle roof replacement?
Yes. All roof replacements in Florida require permits and inspections. We handle all permitting as part of our service. The permit process ensures code compliance and creates a record that helps with insurance verification.
How much does a shingle roof cost in South Florida?
Quality architectural shingle roofs typically range from $8,000 to $20,000+ depending on size, complexity, materials, and upgrades. Premium options like Titan XT with enhanced underlayment and ventilation upgrades cost more but provide better performance and insurance benefits. Use our free Roof Cost Calculator for a preliminary estimate, or schedule a consultation for accurate pricing.
Ready for a Shingle Roof That's Actually Built for South Florida?
Schedule a free consultation. We'll explain the upgrades that make a real difference — the ventilation, the underlayment, the documentation that saves you money on insurance. Whether you hire us or not, you'll understand what to look for.